• Publication Season/Year: Fall, 2009
• Publisher: Balzer & Bray
• Release Date: October 6, 2009
• ISBN (hardcover): 978-0-06-174704-5
• ISBN (paperback): TBD

Nya is an orphan, struggling for survival in a city ravaged by war. She’s also a Taker – someone who can heal injuries by drawing that pain into her own body. But unlike her sister Tali and other Takers, Nya can’t push the pain into pynvium, an enchanted metal used to store it. All she can do is shift it from person to person — a dangerous skill she must conceal or risk being used as a human weapon.

One fateful morning, Nya’s secret is exposed to a pain merchant eager to use her ability for his sinister purposes. At first, she refuses, but when Tali mysteriously disappears, Nya must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her sister.

About the Author

A long-time fantasy reader, Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. She tapped into her own dark side to create a world where healing was dangerous, and those with the best intentions often made the worst choices.  Read more about how to book or contact Janice Hardy.